ZBA approves Love Inc use variance at 226 N. 3rd to host nonprofit offices and small gatherings

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a use-variance allowing Love Inc to occupy 226 North 3rd Avenue for nonprofit offices and small public gatherings, with board members stressing limits on overnight stays and reminders that the variance runs with the property.

Michelle reviewed the R-2 district's permitted uses and noted staff had no firm recommendation because impacts depend on operations; she said the property previously housed a church and that converting the building would not require major exterior changes. "While there is not likely to be a major impact on the property or surrounding properties for the office type use," she said, "it is really dependent on how the nonprofit operates."

Brian Rolls, Love Inc chairman for Mecosta County, described the organization’s model of mobilizing churches to deliver transformational, long-term services rather than a thrift store or shelter, and said activities would be mainly daytime and by appointment. Community volunteers and partners — including leaders of the existing Third Avenue soup kitchen — spoke in favor, describing ongoing local food and hospitality services that Love Inc intends to continue.

Board members probed whether a future owner could convert the building to other office uses, and staff reminded the panel that the variance applies to the use (office and public assembly) and therefore could allow other offices with similar uses in the future; members discussed limiting conditions such as hours or parking controls but ultimately approved the variance on a roll-call vote.

The board noted that any future physical expansion would require separate site-plan review and that overnight sheltering was not part of Love Inc’s stated operations.